A visit to the California Academy of Sciences is much more than just a walk around a museum to look at exhibits. There is so much to see, do and learn, for both adults and kids, that a family day at the Academy is a must do. Plenty is happening in the one place, as the Academy houses an aquarium and a natural history museum, as well as the excellent planetarium. With so much to explore it is always a good idea to have a plan of action before visiting. Here’s a look at some of the attractions at the famous academic science museum in San Francisco.

The Osher Rainforest

The Osher Rainforest is typically open daily, and visitors could easily spend hours looking at the more than 1,600 species of flora and fauna housed under the dome. There’s even an underwater glass tunnel to walk through and watch the tropical fish swimming in their natural environment.

Fancy a Sleepover?

Yes the kids and the kid-at-heart adults, can now have a sleepover among the exhibits of the academic science museum. Family groups can roam the rainforests, watch the aquarium in the dark and see what penguins do when the sun goes down. When sleep time comes, the family can bed down close to the residents and doze off to the sounds of the jungle. What better way to see the Academy behind closed doors?

Grab a Bite to Eat

The Academy has two very good restaurants to feed the science-hungry visitors. The Academy Cafe is usually open seven days and strives to use local, sustainably-grown produce throughout its menu. It typically offers sandwiches, pizza, sushi, soups and grill options, but call ahead to verify open hours and menu availability. The Terrace Restaurant follows the same principle of farm to fork, but in more upmarket surroundings. It also has the bonus of a good wine and beer menu to enjoy.

The Morrison Planetarium

After all the delicious food and maybe that glass of wine, it may be a good idea to give the feet a rest and take a seat in the Morrison Planetarium. Here, you can see some of the latest recreations of the universe and beyond, shown on the 75-foot diameter screen. The virtual tour takes the visitors to the outer limits of the galaxy, through dark universes and to places never previously imagined.

Style and elegance define the internationally acclaimed California Academy of Sciences. With stunning architecture and decor, this museum is the ideal location for your next adventure.